Downtown Sarasota Has Come Alive Again

    First, lets describe roughly what we mean by "Downtown" Sarasota. The western boundary of Downtown Sarasota is, obviously, Sarasota Bay and the area around Golden Gate Point and the Ritz-Carlton. On the north side, 10th Street is now a reasonable approximation given all that's happening in the Rosemary District and Citrus Square. The eastern edge is roughly Washington Boulevard (U.S. Route 301) with a bit of a bump-out to accommodate the area around the courthouse. To the south, Mound Street strikes a reasonable edge since that is about where Sarasota's historically significant and very desirable suburbs begin.

    The Downtown Sarasota area is roughly one square mile but its is amazing how much is now packed into that urban area.

    For those attracted by the convenience of being able to walk, ride a bike, or take a bus to just about everything, there is just about every type and style of housing imaginable from elegant high-rise condos along the bay front to more modest condos and town homes, the charming old bungalow-style homes you find in neighborhoods like Laurel Park, the cozy residences over retail spaces in Citrus Square and the loft spaces of the Rosemary District. But there is housing everywhere, so why has Downtown Sarasota become "the place to be and be seen?"

    The Herald Tribune, in picking its "Best Sarasota Neighborhood" back in 2011 expressed the opinion that it was because so much is now happening in Downtown. "Things have definitely been spruced up over the recent past." Rich Stover, a prominent Realtor says, "When the sun goes down, they used to roll up the sidewalks, but now they put out patio furniture and sell you drinks and dinner," And, the excitement about Downtown Sarasota as a place to live has gotten even more intense lately with new housing being built for the first time in years.

    New dining establishments are popping up everywhere. There are now more annual festivals and events -- things like the Chalk Festival where artists create huge colorful illustrations on Pineapple Avenue, the Bayfront Park Boat Show, the Sarasota Jazz Festival, and the Sarasota Film Festival to name just a few. During winter months, the weekly Saturday Farmer's Market at Main Street and Lemon Avenue brings all sorts of folks downtown who then venture into shops, boutiques, and the many sidewalk cafes along Main Street.

    The Downtown Sarasota waterfront is also a big draw. Island Park, situated on a peninsula right on Sarasota Bay has water's edge sidewalks all around it. It's a great place for a leisurely walk, rollerblading, or a bike ride. Children love the water fountains and the playground zone and the park is pet-friendly so you'll see numerous four-legged visitors as well. With a light evening breeze, a evening walk along the Downtown Sarasota waterfront can be a delightful way to spend an hour or so before venturing into a favorite or maybe a new cafe for some light fare or sumptuous dining. Some Sarasota waterfront developments like Condo on the Bay offer both condominium and townhome options where you can berth your yacht right outside your door.

    The Sarasota Arts and Cultural District also play a big role in the vibrant Downtown Sarasota lifestyle. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Asolo, the Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Orchestra, the Players Theatre of Sarasota and the Florida Studio Theatre all bring more people into the downtown area on weekday and weekend evenings. There is a museum to please everyone's interests from the Ringling Museum and Cà d’Zan mansion to the younger family-oriented GWiz hands-on Science and Technology Center

    If you have been contemplating visiting Sarasota to buy a second or permanent home or, if you're already here but thinking of moving to a different home or condo, don't overlook Downtown Sarasota. It truly is a gem for those who crave a more active urban lifestyle. Visit my website focused on homes for sale in Sarasota Florida or, just call me at 941-266-1799. I would be delighted to answer your questions.